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“I’d love chess to be in Olympics” – Magnus Carlsen for NBC

The rise of esports has many wondering if it will soon apply for and receive Olympic inclusion.

Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, the world chess champion since 2013, believes his trade deserves priority.

“Chess has centuries, even millenia of history, which esports, obviously, they don’t,” Carlsen said for NBC Sports. “Personally, for me, it wouldn’t make sense [for esports to get in the Olympics first].”

Anand - Carlsen game 2 1

The first step to being added to the Olympics is having an international governing body recognized by the International Olympic Committee. World Chess is recognized by the IOC. Esports does not have a recognized body.

“Obviously, I’d love for chess to be part of the Olympics,” said Carlsen, adding that he has not lobbied on the sport’s behalf to any Olympic leaders. “I think that would be tremendously exciting for all chess players and fans, but there are always difficult questions like, does it belong in the Winter or Summer Olympics and all these things. There are lots of sports applying for the Olympics. So it’s difficult.”

Full article by Nick Zaccardi on NBC Sports

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